a matter of
idiom
1
—used to refer to a small amount
It cooks in a matter of (a few) minutes.
The crisis was resolved in a matter of a few hours.
The ball was foul by a matter of inches.
2
—used to say that one thing results from or requires another
Learning to ride a bicycle is a matter of practice.
His success was just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.
It's only a matter of time before/until we catch him.
3
—used to explain the reason for something
She insists on honesty as a matter of principle.
All requests for free tickets are turned down as a matter of policy.
Examples of a matter of in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In a matter of days, the Fed is widely expected to deliver its first rate cut in a year.
—
Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
Choosing what to consume is a matter of health.
—Annie Margaret, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025
Money isn’t only a matter of arithmetic.
—Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
Best applied at night before bed, this boasts a slip, water-like texture that the scalp drinks up in a matter of seconds.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
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Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
Choosing what to consume is a matter of health.
—Annie Margaret, CNN Money, 13 Sep. 2025
Money isn’t only a matter of arithmetic.
—Bruce Helmer, Twin Cities, 13 Sep. 2025
Best applied at night before bed, this boasts a slip, water-like texture that the scalp drinks up in a matter of seconds.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for a matter of
Cite this Entry
“A matter of.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20matter%20of. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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